The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-12

a large mahogany writing desk with pigeon
holes and other modern appliances. two large
finely finished mahogany bookcases with plate
glass doors) containing the United States stat
utes at large and several hundred other we'll
bound books. Then in the center of this room
there is q very large, oval shaped. solid English
walnut table, covered with late newpapers and
periodicals for the use of visitors. The next
room (15x19 feetl occupied by the consular
clerk, has cheerful outlook on the Strada
Gigantic iGiant street, and IS furnished with
capacious and valuable English walnut writing
desk-so large that it contains an iron safe.
Besides, this room is furnished with Two iarae
cases for the consular records, blanks, ETC.,
writing desk for visitors or persons COMING on
business and half dozen good chalrs Inc
third room 1SxlS feet, and contains the ac-
cumulated records and papers pertaining to the
consulate up into the last century. Here. too,
are chairs for the of those waiting In this
ante-room. How many Office rooms as spacious
these are to be found in Indianapolisf
The writer overshoots tho mark when he tells
of the salary and Accommodations of the British
consul, Captain Hartwell. In the first place. the
salary is not so large stated, the rooms do
not contain so much space rs the American con-
sulete, and lastly, the British consul does
not reside in his consulate Furthermore, the
United States consulate Is on the chief lines OF
street-ralways to all parts of the city, and is far
more central than the British consulate. 1
was told that if the British consul could get
hold of the American consulate he would pre-
fer the United States consuls rooms to his own
There is thing. however eminently true
in your specials statement of the nigeardllness
means could live as Mr.. Camphausen does, en-
terrain naval officers, and reciprocate the
attentions OF his brother consuls. The fact is
the narrowness Of the consular salaries Is, and
has always been, because of the Democratic
party. its policy has always been mean and
niggardly in this respect when in power; and. II
not in power, it has always found in the House
enough ignorant Republicans to join with the
Democrats to keep down salaries, and, at times,
to abolish consulates which ought to be far
more fostered than the legations abroad. In
deed, the writer of this special comes near the
beneficial TO our country if the Offices of minister
ton should be paid to the consular service,
which is far more important to a commercial
country like ours" When you come to think of
it, what is the of United States diplomatic
ministers, except in Great Britain. Germany.
Spain and Mexico for Europe and America, and
in China for Asia? We never have any ques-
tons duties nowadays that could not be
solved and performed by consuls general, except
in the countries named. In times of peace we
have never had any question with France since
General Jacksons last administration; and so 1t is
with all the other countries where we have lega-
tons with the exceptions named. If questions
of extraordinary Importance should arise there
would be nothing easier than to send special
commissions to countries like France. Russia,
Italy, Austria, Turkey, Sweden, Holland, Bel
eium and Portugal. or in America to the EN-
pire of Brazil. and to the ten "one-horse" Span
ish-A American republics of Central and South
America. Our countrys commerce will never
be extended By our ministers.
J. c. FLETCHER